Electrical sterilizer or the like



June 15, 1948. ELLNER 2,443,446

ELECTRICAL STERILIZER OR THE LIKE Filed March 25, 1944 Q 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 73kg. Z. 62 4 INVENTOR.

GEORGE EA .4 NEE.

ATTORNEY.

G. G. ELLNER ELECTRICAL STERILIZER OR THE LIKE June 15, 1948.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 25; 1944 IZafH INVENTOR. GEO/e65 6- Ell/MFR ATTOKNEK Patented June 15, 1948 UNITED STATES-1 PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL STERILIZER OR THE LIKE George G. Ellner, Long Island, N. Y. Application March 23, 1944, Serial No. 527,707

8 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in electrical radiant energy producing devices and more particularly to the cabinet typewherein may be generated the bactericidal 1 band of the ultraviolet spectrum for killing bacteria, molds, yeasts, virus and other micro-organisms or other undesirable germs, etc., and for other germicidal or sterilizing purposes. I 7

It is anobject of the present invention to provide a cabinet or like receptacle especially using a ray-emission lamp or lamps for producing ultra-violet or other germicidal, radiant energy, infra-red radiations, or the like, which is of simple and economical construction, and which provides a complete unit for the treatment of articles by electrical radiation. I

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cabinet type device for treating articles such as glassware, chinaware, cans, containers and the like by means of electrical radiation produced within the cabinet, the said device having a support or shelf for said articles constructed in such a manner that the said articles may be disposed to receive the maximum benefit of said radiation.

Another object of the present invention is to relatively arrange in said device the ray-emission means and support whereby the radiant energy from said means are directed to the articles to be treated.

It is a still further object of the invention to make the aforesaid support articulated and capable of being partially or wholly withdrawn from the cabinet. to facilitate removal or replacement of such articles.

Yet anotherobject of the present invention 'is to have said support operate a timing device to limit the period of radiation upon said articles, and to lock said support against withdrawal during said period. a

Still another object of the present invention is to provide the cabinet with internal illuminating means which may be controlled by said timing device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cabinet-like sterilizer wherein ar-.

ticles may be easily placed and irradiated a predetermined period and then removed.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a convenient cabinet-like apparatus adapted to receive and support therein articles and utilizing in a practical, economical and safe manner radiant energy for sterilizing or other- .A further objectofthe present invention is to, provide in said cabinet or receptacle, novel, profs 2 erably adjustable, reflector means positioned adjacent the ultra-violet or like ray lamp or tube, and both positioned relative to a support for articles to be treated, whereby all the direct and indirect rays are directed and reflected toward said support; another object of the invention being to provide the aforesaid support with reflector means whereby the rays from said lamp impinging upon said means will be reflected toward the articles placed on said support, so that surfaces of said articles not subjected to direct radiation may be effectively treated through re- Ilected or indirect radiation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide in an electrical sterilizer or like cabinet two or. more sections capable of supporting article to be irradiated, the said section-s being arranged in relation to switch means and timelock means whereby one or more of said sections may, when in normal operating position, actuate said switch means to put in operation the source ;ample, glasses, bottles, etc., to arrange these containers in rows and in a single plane, and to provide a plurality of sources of radiation in another, but, parallel plane, each row of containers having its individual source of radiation, to effect the substantially complete irradiation of all inside surfaces of containers in said row exposed to such individual source, particularly, where such containers have unrestricted openings and are of such contour as to substantially permit such complete irradiation. This practice, however, is

ploying only a single source of radiation and by providing a means for so disposing any number of rows of such containers in one or more planes in a manner such that these containers will have their entire inside surfaces irradiated by direct ,rays from said source and all or part of their outside surf-aces irradiated by either direct or indirect radiation, or both, emanating from said source. This object may be accomplished by arranging the rows of containers in an arcuate or spherical path with the rays emanating from the from said source by reflection.

The above and other objects and advantageous features of the invention are accomplished by the novel and practical construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter disclosed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, constituting an essential part of the disclosure, and in which:

Fig. 1 is an end view of an electrical sterilizing device, made in accordance with the invention, the end wall of the housing being removed to illustrate parts therewithin, the device being shown in operative position; this view being taken along line l-l of Fig.

Fig. 10. is a diagrammatic view illustrating (in horizontal section) a time-lock device employable in the invention;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. l (but partly broken away), the device being seen in inoperative position with the article carrier extended; this view being taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the article carrier shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of Fig. 3, but also including a cross-sectional view of tracks in which the carrier rides;

Fig. 5 is a front elevational (diagrammatic) view of the sterilizing device seen in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the front support forming part of the carrier;

Fig. 7 is an electrical circuit wiring diagram employable in the device; and

Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view taken through one of the supports of the carrier, in a modified form and showing supplementary reflecting means.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings which show one example by which the invention may be realized, apparatus Ill includes base H, cabinet housing l2! and carriers 13. While base H is shown as being solid, it may be made hollow with translucent sides and/or front wall and adapted to receive lighting means and any required electrical equipment.

Housing it comprises shell lZa preferably substantially elliptical in cross-section, and end walls l4, said walls being made opaque or translucent as desired. A transverse central partition l5 may be provided dividing the housing into two distinct sections l5, 15 within each of which a carrier 53 is operable. As illustrated the bottom of housing i2 may be disposed within recess l6 of base H. Housing I2 is provided with a front opening ll.

Located adjacent each end wall l4 and on either side of partition t5 are the longitudinally curved, channehshaped tracks l8 accommodating rollers l9, 19a rotatably mounted at the rear of each carrier l3.

Each carrier l3 comprises a rear guide member 26 having the upright end portions 36, and supports 2!, 22, 23 for holding articles, such as, drinking glasses G. Each support El, 22, 23 has an upper shelf 55 provided with openings 55 for receiving articles, such as, the glasses G, and a lower shelf 5i upon which the bottom of said glasses may rest. Shelves 58 and 5'1 are connected together by side-walls 53 and it is understood that shelves Eti, El and side-walls 38 may be formed of a single sheet of material. It is further understood that while the supports are shown as being adapted to support glasses, they may be modified to accommodate, hold or retain any other articles to be irradiated.

Member 20 and article supporters 2!, 22, 23,

carrying roller I9.

4 are connected together by means of upper links 24, 25, 26, and lower links 21, 21a, 28. Each linl; 24 is pivotally connected by pin 29 to an upright 39 of guide member 20, the. forward end of link 26 has a slot 33 in which rides the pivot 34. Each link 26 is pivotally connected at its front end to support 23 by pin 35. The forward end of link 26 has a slot 36 in which also rides pivot 34. Pivots 32, 34, 35, are mounted on lips 3'1 stamped out of the side walls 38 of supports 2!, 22, 23. The lower links 21, 21a are respectively connected by pivots 39 to lips 46 which are stamped out of side walls 33 of respective support members 2|, 22, 23, adjacent ends of links 2'5, 2la. being connected together at the pivots. Each link 28 at its front end together with link 21a at its rear end is connected to a pivot 39 of support member 2|, the rear end of each link 28 being pivotally connected at 4| to stub shaft 42 The front support 23 has a hand grip 23a. It is evident that as carrier I3 is retracted to a position seen in Fig. l, the rollers [9; 190. will ride the curved tracks, the lower links 21, 21a, 28 remaining in fixed longitudinal "position, but the upper links 24, 25, 26 being shortened by the extent of their slotted portions, thus tilting supports 2!, 23 and the rows of glasses G therein toward each other and toward support 22 and the row of glasses G therein, so that the longitudinal axial lines A will intersect at a point C substantially the axial center of ray-emitting tube L.

Thus, the rows of glasses G are arranged in substantially a curved or multi-planar path with the rays emanating from the single radiant source L in radial lines as indicated by the dash lines B. By providing appropriate reflector means, as for example, those described later on, the areas of the glasses G not subjected to direct radiation from the single radiant source L, may be subjected to indirect rays from said source by reflection.

It is evident that the substantially curved path in which the articles to be irradiated may be arranged, may be extended to cover the entire or nearly the entire internal surface of the elliptical housing; or the said articles may be arranged along the internal surface of a cylindrical housing; or the internal surface of a spherical housing with the radiant source substantially in the center of such a housing so that all of the rays from said source may be utilized for direct irradiation of articles contained in said housing.

Secured to the rear of each side of partition I5 is a time-lock 45 and switch unit 46 which may be of substantially conventional construction. Switch 46 in its operable position may have a plunger 4'! which is pressed inwardly (as indicated in Fig. 1) by the guide 20, to thus actuate the time-lock 48 (diagrammatically shown in Fig. 10). As seen in Fig. la, which is a horizontal sectional view, time-lock 48 may have a plunger 49 which is maintained in extended operable position against latch 50 when the lock is Working. Latch 50 pivoted at 50a is urged in an outward direction to extend out of casing K by spring 5% having one arm abutting against latch 50 and its other arm abutting against a pin 50c. Time-lock 48 will lock plunger 49 for a predetermined period of time, in its extended position against latch 50, preventing latch 50 from being moved inwardly and out Of engagement with hole 5| in guide 20 when carrier I3 is retracted within housing l2 and thus securely locking carrier l3 in this retracted position as-seen in Fig. 1. Upon expiration of the time set for com lete sterilization ofthe glasses G, time-lock 48 will release plunger 49 and permit withdrawal of carrier [3 to its full extent from housing I5, or partially so to present one support 2|, 22 or 23 at a time, outside of housing l5. As carrier i3 is being withdrawn, plunger 41 will be disengaged from carrier member 20.

Fig. 2 shows the carrier I3 in fully extended position. The ray-emitting electric tube or lamp L may be any One of the known types producing ultra-violet, germicidal or other sterilizing radi ant energy or in some cases infra-red or like radiations. It is preferably in the form of an elongated tube mounted in sockets supported by brackets 60 fixed to either the top or sides of housing I 2. The tube L may form part of a complete unitary lamp and control assembly including the lamp sockets, wiring, transformer and other auxiliary control devices and, if desired, a reflector, and/or fluorescent tube with its sockets, wiring and auxiliary control devices, which may be conveniently mounted in the housing such as, those disclosed in my copending applications Serial Numbers 465,232 and 527,708, the former application having matured into U. S, Patent No. 2,375,354, dated May 8,1945.

Lamp L may be controlled by a main switch 6| together with either one of switches 62, 63 (Figs. 5 and 7).

as regards the carrier l3 in section l5, whereas and when in this position closes the lamp L circuit (when main switch 6| is closed) as clearly seen in Fig. 7. Lamp L will now emit radiant energy. As heretofore stated the guide member 20 of carrier [3 will retract plunger 41 thus putting into operation the time-lock 15. After the predetermined period of time has run. the timelock will permit its plunger 49 to retract and consequently latch 50 to retract. Carrier l3 may now be withdrawn. If carrier I3 is fully withdrawn or extended, then roller l9 will depress plunger 64 through spring 64a, but as clearly evident by reference to Fig. 7, the lamp L will only be turned ofi if both carriers 5- in sections I5,

I 5", are fully extended. As long as one of the tion to receive rays from lamp L, lamp L will operate, as the plunger 64 of switch 62 or 63 will only be permitted to extend and thus close the circuit after roller I9 has passedit during retraction of the carrier.

In the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 7, the letter P indicates the lead wires to a source of electrical power, and the letters P, P", indicate the primary and secondary respectively of the transformer M.

Afluorescent lamp 65 may be disposed within housing l2 and may be controlled by a separate switch (not shown) or by the main switch 6| or auxiliary switches 62, 63.

Carrier [3 when in normal operating position as shown in Fig. 1 is disposed with relation to lamp or tube L such that lines A drawn from its axial center are substantially coincidental with the vertical axis of each supports 2i, 22, 23, and

Switch 62 will control lamp L therefore, each glass G contained in the openings l dicated by lines B in Fig. 1.

In order that the articles to be irradiated, such as, the glasses G, may receive the maximum amount of radiation, suitable reflectors may be employed. For example, there may be disposed over lamp L, a reflector 66 comprising a plurality of parallelly disposed connected members 61,-

said members 67 being concave in cross-section. Some of these members may be rigidly connected together, while others may be hingedly connected (as clearly seen in Figs. 1 and 2) in order that they may be swun to desired positions to reflect rays from lamp L onto the articles, such as, glasses G, held in or on the supports 2|, 22,-23. Those of members 6! which are hinged as by hinges 68 may be maintained in desired positionby providing a projection 69 on one member to which is pivotally connected an arm 16 having I ceiving'a bolt and wing nut 13 which extends through slot l I. It can be readily seen that after the adjacent hinged members 61 have been relatively adjusted, they may be maintained in adjusted position by tightening upon wing nuts I3,

In order to irradiate certain external areas or surface portions of the glasses G which do not intercept the rays reflected by the reflectors 66, further reflector means may be provided. Fig. 8 discloses such a means. The upper shelves or plates 56 may be provided with cup-shaped re flectors 75 surrounding the openings 55 receiving the glasses G. Rays 0 emanating from lamp L will impinge upon these cup-shaped reflectors and will be reflected impinging upon the outside surface of the glasses. reflectors 15 may be so shaped and designed as to, by indirect radiation, irradiate those portions of the glasses which come in contact with the mouth and lips of the user.

It is further apparent that the supports 2|, 22, 23 may be modified in such a manner as to hold other articles than glasses and may be provided with convexed or trough-shaped or other reflecting surfaces with or without openings.

Although two separate time-lock and switch devices are shown it is understood that one such device may be employed with, one carrier used instead of the two shown herein or more than two carriers may be employed, in which case, it may be found necessary to lengthen the housing l2.

From the foregoing it is evident that there has been provided by this invention devices in which the various objects hereinabove set forth, together with many thoroughly practical advantages, are successfully achieved.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new and desire to be secured by Letters Patent, is:

-1. A device for the emission of electrical radiant energy comprising a cabinet having a front opening, an electric lamp positioned in the upper part of said cabinet, a reflector over said lamp, said reflector being substantially double'concave in section, a support for articles disposed within said cabinet below said lamp, means whereby said support is shiftable through said opening to a position at least partially external of said cabinet, said means including a plurality of supports for said articles and pivotally-arranged links con- It is evident that the necting said supports a, timing device within said cabinet, and means for locking said support to said timing device within said cabinet during a predetermined period of time fixed by said timing device.

2. A device for the emission of electrical radiant energy comprising a cabinet having a front opening, a support disposed within said cabinet, an electric lamp, switch means for said lamp, a reflector, said lamp and said reflector being positioned in the upper part of said cabinet and being relatively disposed whereby direct and indirect rays will impinge upon articles carried by said support, upon operation of said lamp, means whereby said support is shiftable through said opening to a position at least partially external of said cabinet, said means including a plurality of supports for said articles and pivotally-an ranged links connecting said supports a timing device within said cabinet, said support operating said timing device.

8. A device for the emission of electrical radiant energy comprising a cabinet having a front opening, a support disposed within said cabinet, an electric lamp, a reflector, said lamp, and said reflector being positioned in the upper part of said cabinet and being relatively disposed whereby direct and indirect rays impinge upon said support, means whereby said support is shiftable through said opening to a position at least par tially external of said cabinet said means including a plurality of supports for said articles, a guide member, and pivotally-arranged links respectively connecting said supports and said guide member, a timing device within said cabinet, and means for locking said support to said timing device during a predetermined period of time fixed by said timing device.

4. A device for the emission of electrical radiant energy comprising a cabinet having a front opening, a support means for normally positioning said support within said cabinet and slidably positioning said support to a position at least partially therewithout, said means comprising a carrier having a plurality of supports for said articles and pivotally-arranged links connecting said supports an electric lamp within said cabinet, said lamp and said support when normally positioned being relatively disposed whereby rays from said lamp impinge upon said support, a timing device within said cabinet, means for locking said support to said timing device during a predetermined period of time fixed by said timing device, and switch means for said lamp controllable by said support.

5. A ray emission device comprising a housing, a source of electrical radiant energy disposed within said housing, reflector means adjacent said source, means for arranging articles in a substantially curved path with respect to said source and reflector means; said arranging means comprising a carrier having a plurality of supports for said articles, a guide member, pivotally-arranged links respectively connecting said supports and said guide member, and an arcuate track for said guide member and reflector means on said arranging means; whereby rays emanating directly from said source and indirectly from both said reflector means may impinge upon articles on said arranging means to efiectuate substantially complete irradiation of said articles.

6. A ray emission device comprising a housing having an opening, a source of electrical radiant energy disposed within said housing, reflector means, means for arranging articles in a plurality of planes with respect to said source and reflector means, and in such a manner that rays emanating directly from said source and indirectly from said means may impinge upon articles on said arranging means to efiectuate irradiation of said articles; said arranging means being adapted to be extended from said housing through said opening for withdrawal of articles therefrom, said arranging means comprising a carrier having a plurality of supports for said articles, a guide member, and pivotally-arranged links respectively connecting said supports and said guide member; and means within said housing for locking said arranging means within said housing for a predetermined period of time.

7. A ray emission device comprising a housing having an opening, a source of electrical radiant energy disposed within said housing, reflector means, means for arranging articles in a plurality of planes with respect to said source and reflector means and in such a manner that rays emanating directly from said source and indirectly from said means may impinge upon articles on said arranging means to effectuate irradiation of said articles; adapted to be extended from said housing through said opening for withdrawal of articles therefrom, said arranging means comprising a carrier having a plurality of supports for said articles, a guide member, and pivotally-arranged links respectively connecting said supports and said guide member; and switch means for said source controllable by said arranging means.

8. A ray emission, device comprising a housing having an opening, a source of electrical radiant energy disposed within said housing, reflector means within said housing, means for arranging articles in a plurality of planes with. respect to said source and reflector means and in such a manner that rays emanating directly from said source and indirectly from said means may impinge upon articles on said arranging means to efiectuate irradiation of said articles; said arranging means being adapted to be extended from said housing through said opening for withdrawal of articles therefrom, said means comprising a carrier having a plurality of supports for said articles, a guide member, pivotally-arranged links respectively connecting said supports and said guide member, and an arcuate track for said guide member means within said housing for locking said arranging means within said housing for a predetermined period of time, and switch means for said source controllable b said arranging means.

GEORGE G. ELLNER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,984,457 Buttolph Dec. 18, 1934 2,056,614 Moehler Oct. 6, 1936 2,212,330 Thomas Aug. 20, 1940 2,235,296 Muncheryan Mar. 18, 1941 2,245,762 De Stafani June 17, 1941 2,253,251 Selig Aug. 19, 1941 2,275,788 Meeker Mar. 10, 1942 said arranging means being, 

